After 15 years, Iraqi woman back ‘on her feet’

A total knee replacement surgery helped an 81-year-old Iraqi national to get back on her foot after 15 years.

Editorial Team | Published: April 17, 2018 5:42 pm

For over 15 years, an 81-yr-old Iraqi national, Salih was bedridden with no mobility in her legs. Due to obesity and shrouded by immobility, she was unable to go about with her daily activities and thus became dependent on her daughter-in- law. Wanting to explore treatment options in order for her to walk again, her family consulted with doctors in Iran, Misr, Turkey and Lebanon. To their dismay, doctors in Iran informed them that nothing could be done to correct her condition due to multiple issues, considering her age, deformity in the knees, hypertension and obesity.

Salih had not stood up independently and walked for over a decade and a half and was riddled with Arthritis of the back. Post detailed evaluation of her spine, her muscles, and overall ability of her body in Fortis, Dr Malhan recommended her to undergo a Total knee replacement Surgery (TKR) on both her knees.

Considering her deformity, age and other conditions, Dr Malhan was of the opinion that the surgery be conducted in a single sitting instead of two operations. After consulting with the Anesthetic team at the hospital, it was decided
to go ahead with the operation without wasting time.

Using the “Tissue preserving technique” that helps in faster recovery, to stop loss of soft tissue damage and blood loss, Dr. Malhan performed the surgery on the 30th of March, 2018. The procedure involved inserting large bone grafts to help support the lost bones and metal implants in her knees. With her deformity fully corrected, post-op, the patient was closely monitored in the ICU.

Read: Strengthen your knees with these exercises.

Speaking about the successful outcome, Dr Kaushal Malhan, Senior Knee and Hip Surgeon at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, said, “The patient was unable to stand even for an X-ray, just four days prior to the operation; this in spite of 4 people lifting her up. Post-op, she is now on her feet, all set to walk independently. Post the operation, physiotherapy and nutrition therapy was initiated. We have advised her to keep her weight in check and follow a certain diet along with regular exercise.”

Read: What is Total Knee Replacement?

Speaking on the treatment provided, Salih, said, “I am unable to express how different I feel as there is a sudden change in my legs. My pain has disappeared and I look forward to finally walking again. I am truly grateful to Dr. Malhan and his team for making this possible and giving me my independence back”.

The patient is now discharged and is able to walk with the help of a walker; she has to continue regular Physiotherapy. All set to go back home, her family is ecstatic. Speaking on the condition of such patients, Dr. Malhan concludes, “Arthritis needs to be tackled before it leads to complete destruction and disability. Regardless of age, the patient should be evaluated on the basis of their overall physical and functional well-being, so as to decide whether
they can benefit from reconstructive surgery. In Total Knee Replacement surgeries, results and recovery after surgery improve if soft tissues and bones are preserved. Muscle sparing surgery helps early mobilization and has a special role in cases like these, with compromised tissues and muscle weakness”.

Source: Press release

Image source: Shutterstock

Published: April 17, 2018 5:42 pm

Disclaimer: TheHealthSite.com does not guarantee any specific results as a result of the procedures mentioned here and the results may vary from person to person. The topics in these pages including text, graphics, videos and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only and not to be substituted for professional medical advice.

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